“New Year, New You” by Jamie Stout, Director of Community Education

What are the chances you will stick to your New Year’s resolution? We all have great intentions on Dec. 31. Make this the year you stay committed to your resolution. LLCC Community Education can make it easy to do! We offer non-credit, personal development classes for all ages.

Typically there are four types of New Year’s resolutions: self-improvement/education, improved health, money matters and building stronger relationships. Does your resolution fit into one of these categories? I know mine does! LLCC Community Education has something to offer in all four categories, so you are bound to succeed.

LLCC Community Education offers over 60 classes ranging from culinary to photography, beekeeping to calligraphy, Greek to upholstery, and backyard chickens to ghost hunting. There is a class for everyone, every interest, and every age, youth through seniors.

Healthy lifestyle goals can be obtained by our yoga or karate classes. When it comes to the goal of a stable future with money, we have you covered with retirement planning and budgeting. The Culinary Institute is state-of-the-art and provides instruction for all skill levels. Local chefs and food experts make you feel right at home in our kitchen. These quality classes are affordable and convenient, which we all can appreciate in 2015!

Research shows that remaining active later in life has physical, mental and psychological benefits. The Academy of Lifelong Learning (ALL) at LLCC is all about ongoing learning and keeping your mind and body active, while trying new adventures. This social, educational group is comprised of individuals that are ages 50 and up and are continuously learning the latest and greatest in our community and world at large. Educational lectures this year have covered such topics as medical missions of doctors and dentists, international businesses located in Springfield, and how technology is advancing our lives. Many of the ALL members say they enjoy continuing their education, exploring new topics and meeting new people. ALL also has a very active group of members that bike, golf, bowl and take day trips once a month. Could this be your New Year’s resolution?

Many of us resolve to do more traveling. Community Education offers day trips and overnight trips. Traveling broadens our horizons, exposes us to new cultures and pushes us outside of our comfort zone. This year we will travel to Kentucky for a garden tour, to Arkansas with the Springfield Art Association, as well as day trips to St. Louis.

There are three steps to reaching your goal and keeping your resolution. One, identify the goal. Two, make a plan to reach your goal. Three, ask for help through an accountability partner. LLCC Community Education can be your partner in making this new year one in which you learn, socialize and grow. Why not contact a friend, neighbor or family member and sign up together for a class? Could Organizing 101, Conversational Spanish, Baking, Winemaking or a self-defense class be in your future?